MHP’s Design & Retrofit group focuses on supporting architects, developers and building owners in executing the structural design for their projects. With group strength built around the diversity in experience of the managing partners the design group is poised to tackle any structural engineering challenge. Under the guidance of Rick Beall, Terry Fernandez and Ken O’Dell each member of the team brings a unique approach, refreshing determination and personal commitment to reach the project goals set forth by their clients. The group prides itself on providing creative yet cost effective solutions throughout the project timeline from schematics to completion of construction.
Use of appropriate state-of-the-art analysis tools provides MHP the ability to quickly assess the structural needs for projects. With the in-house software and technology available to MHP engineers, no project is too small or too large. From straight forward new design to complex retrofit or renovation, the MHP team of engineers thrives on turning complicated challenges into opportunities to achieve the client’s vision of the end product.
At MHP the relationship between the client and engineering team is essential to a successful design. Throughout the stages of the design process, involvement of a MHP principal contributes to the success of the team. As the Partners work with the project engineers, each step is carefully planned keeping in mind potential problems and opportunities associated with the proposed design. This system offers valuable insight to the client and project Architect, heading off potential conflicts early on. With this approach it is the goal of the MHP team to continue building long-term relationships with valued clients by being a resource of knowledge for the current project or the next.
NASA’S JET PROPULSION LABORATORY & CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
Pasadena, California and Long Beach, California
New Facilities and Remodels
TYPE
Design-Institutional
CLIENT
JPL and CSULB
ARCHITECTS
In both roles acting as Campus Engineer, MHP works closely with the institution’s architecture and facility teams to advance numerous projects throughout the campuses.
CONSTRUCTION COST
Varies from $5,000 to $5 million
PROJECT STATUS
Beginning in 2003 for CSULB and 2004 for JPL, MHP maintains an ongoing relationship with both facilities.
STRUCTURE SPECIFICS
Facility structures vary in type, size and location and projects include expansions, renovations and seismic strengthening.
CHALLENGES AND NEEDS
Projects for JPL and CSULB range from verification of framing system capacity for new equipment to evaluating the seismic vulnerability of existing structures. Identification of seismic susceptibility may lead to the strengthening of these structures in order to accommodate future generations of users.
SCOPE OF SERVICE AND SOLUTION
Commonly these projects require extensive computer modeling to investigate the potential vulnerability of the structures. Both the JPL and CSULB campuses are in close proximity to significant Southern California earthquake faults, highlighting the need to fully understanding and address the seismic needs of the campuses.
